Tech Roundup: China Trials New Digital ID System, U.S. Sues TikTok Over Kid’s Privacy

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The U.S. Department of Justice has sued TikTok for allegedly collecting the personal information of children in violation of an online privacy act. Photo: VCG

Welcome to the Tech Roundup — a briefing of the top technology news making headlines in China and the rest of Asia.

China trials new digital ID system

China’s newly proposed national digital identification system is being trialed across more than 80 internet service applications, days after Beijing released the draft rules on July 26 for public comment.

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China is trialing a digital ID system across over 80 internet services, which aims to limit the personal information collected by platforms.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued TikTok for allegedly violating children's privacy laws, despite a previous 2019 settlement over similar issues.
China will blacklist certain drone components used for military purposes starting from Sept. 1 to protect national security and interests.

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Who’s Who

ByteDance Ltd.: ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company that owns TikTok, is being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly violating an online privacy act by collecting the personal information of children under 13 without parental permission. This lawsuit follows a 2019 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission regarding kids' privacy.

Gaogong Industry Institute Co. Ltd.: Gaogong Industry Institute Co. Ltd. is a Shenzhen-based consultancy. According to the article, local industry data from this institute shows that sales of heavy electric trucks in China, which weigh 14 tons or more, have seen a significant rise. The sales between January and May reached 19,700 units, marking a 142% increase compared to the same period last year.

Black Sesame Technologies Inc.: Black Sesame Technologies Inc. is a Chinese system-on-a-chip designer specializing in autonomous driving systems. The company plans to raise up to HK$1.12 billion ($143 million) through an IPO in Hong Kong. This will be the second IPO under new listing rules allowing specialty tech companies to go public even if they are unprofitable or do not meet the Main Board’s earnings requirements.

QuantumPharm Inc.: QuantumPharm Inc. is a Shenzhen-based artificial intelligence drug researcher backed by Tencent Holdings Ltd. It was the first company to debut under Hong Kong's new Chapter 18C listing rules, raising HK$1.13 billion on June 13, 2023.

Tencent Holdings Ltd.: Tencent Holdings Ltd. is a major Chinese technology conglomerate known for its investments in various sectors, including artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals. Notably, it backs QuantumPharm Inc., a Shenzhen-based AI drug researcher, which raised HK$1.13 billion in its June 13 IPO.

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What Happened When

January to May, 2024：: 19,700 heavy electric trucks sold in China, dominating the segment with a 142% increase from the comparable period last year.

June 13, 2024：: QuantumPharm Inc. debuts as the first IPO under the new Chapter 18C listing rules, raising HK$1.13 billion.

July 26, 2024：: Beijing releases draft rules for the national digital identification system for public comment.

July 31, 2024：: Announcement issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the Central Military Commission’s equipment development department about adding drone components to a trade blacklist.

By August 2, 2024：: Proposed digital ID detailed in a draft provision released by China's Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China.

August 2, 2024：: U.S. Department of Justice sues TikTok for allegedly collecting the personal information of children in violation of an online privacy act.

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